Making the Right Telematics Choice: A Broader Understanding of What’s Available
It’s easier to make just the right choice when it comes to telematics if you have a good understanding of the various options available. As an authorized reseller, EnVue Telematics has a broad understanding of the many choices that are out there.
Ford, GM Rev Up Electric Pickup Trucks to Head Off Tesla
Ford and GM are racing to design radical new takes on their most profitable models, replacing petroleum-fueled engines with batteries in a bid to outflank Tesla Inc's plan to eclipse their brands.
"This is going to be a real watershed for the whole industry," Ford Chairman Bill Ford told Reuters in a recent interview. The automaker has disclosed few details about the electric F-series, but Bill Ford hinted the truck could have load-carrying space under the hood in addition to the traditional bed in the back.
Officials have not discussed plans for the electric pickup, but GM is pushing to introduce it within two years, according to several people familiar with the plans.
Read the article at MSN.
Ford Sells Vehicle Subscription Service Canvas
Ford Motor Co. is selling off its vehicle subscription service, ending a two-year experiment that aimed to bridge a gap between renting and leasing.
Ford's finance arm, Ford Motor Credit Co., plans to sell Canvas to a California-based car-rental app, Fair. Ford acquired Canvas in 2016, and spent much of 2017 and 2018 testing the service in different markets. The automaker did not disclose a sale price Thursday.
"Canvas built an impressive business and we learned a lot about subscription services, fleet management and the technology that underlies both," said Sam Smith, executive vice president of strategy and future products at Ford Credit, in a statement.
Read the article at The Detroit News.
It Was a Very Good Conference!
Mark Boada pens the first in a series of articles about the recently-concluded and remarkably successful AFLA 2019 Conference. This week, Boada features the panel discussion: Unpacking the Complex Transformation of Fleet Management to Mobility Solutions.
Adlore Chaudier talks to the challenges facing federal fleets in the wake of the Trump administration’s move to decentralize fleet administration. Chaudier says, “…a move…which flies in the face of proof that centralized fleet management is a better approach.”
In Driver Retention: Good for the Bottom Line, Shannon McNamara offers guidance on tools fleets can use to overcome the perennial driver shortage. A key point: it's not just pay; drivers need to feel engaged by their work.
Is fleet safety on your radar? There's still time to register for NETS Annual Strength in Numbers® Safety Benchmark Conference.
FMW congratulates all the fleet professionals honored with awards at the AFLA Conference. Well done!
Janice Sutton
Editor in Chief
Electric Truck Unicorn Rivian, Backed By Amazon And Ford, Lands $350 Million Investment From Cox
Rivian, an innovative truck startup planning to produce all-electric pickups and SUVs that’s backed by Ford Motor Co. and Amazon, said Cox Automotive is investing $350 million and may partner with it on future business operations.
Michigan-based Rivian plans to launch a line of long-range, rechargeable light trucks, including the R1T pickup and R1S SUV, built off a highly functional “skateboard” platform that integrates the battery pack, drive components and suspension system.
“We are building a Rivian ownership experience that matches the care and consideration that go into our vehicles,” 36-year-old founder and CEO RJ Scaringe said in a statement. “Cox Automotive’s global footprint, service and logistics capabilities and retail technology platform make them a great partner for us.”
Read the article at Forbes.
